It’s not pleasant to discover a mouse in your home, but you may not want to use commercial repellents that contain harmful chemicals. Many people prefer a more natural, humane, and eco-friendly solution – and the good news is that there are plenty of natural remedies you can use to deter mice. Here, we will explain how to create natural mice repellents that you can use with peace of mind.
There are several natural substances that mice have been known to dislike. One of the most effective is peppermint oil, which has a strong scent that mice find unappealing. To use this as a repellent, put 20-30 drops of peppermint essential oil on cotton balls and place them in areas where you have a mouse problem. This could be in your kitchen, basement, attic, or wherever you’ve noticed signs of mice. Refresh the cotton balls every week or so, or when you notice the minty smell starting to fade.
Another natural mouse repellent is a spice called clove. It has a strong, sharp scent that mice find off-putting. It can deter mice from entering your property in the first place. You can use whole cloves or clove oil in the same way as the peppermint oil: place them in areas where mice have been active, remembering to replace them regularly. One important thing to note is that both clove and peppermint can be harmful to cats and dogs, so make sure you only use these methods in areas that pets can’t access.
A less traditional but equally effective solution involves using dryer sheets. Mice dislike the smell of these, and they make affordable and easy-to-use repellents. Simply place dryer sheets in areas of activity and replace as needed.
Ammonia, due to its strong smell, can also act as a natural repellent to mice. Mimicking the odour of predator’s urine, it scares away mice, letting them believe there’s a nearby predator. You can make ammonia solution by mixing 2 teaspoons of detergent, a quarter glass of water and 2 cups of ammonia. Soak rags in the solution and place them in areas of noted rodent activity. However, be careful with its use, especially in the kitchen and around children or pets, because of its harmful effects when ingested or inhaled excessively.
Keep in mind that while these natural repellents can be effective, they are often best used as preventative measures rather than active solutions when dealing with an established infestation. If you find that mice have already made a comfortable home within your house, you may need to consider getting professional help. It’s also crucial to seek out and seal any potential entry points for mice, as even the most effective repellent won’t be of much use if new mice can easily enter your home. Such hauls and cracks are often found near doors, windows, pipes and vents.
To summarize, maintaining a clean and clutter-free home, sealing potential entry points and using natural repellents like peppermint, clove, dryer sheets and ammonia can keep your home mouse-free. However, while natural repellents can help prevent infestations, it’s important to act promptly if you suspect an established infestation to avoid extensive property damage and potential health issues. Consult a professional to get rid of these unwanted houseguests in a safe and effective manner. Afterwards, you can continue with your natural repellent regimen to ensure they don’t return.